Shadow Shadow Cabinet
In politics there are typically two types of government ministers / representatives that hold a portfolio. The reigning politicians have the cabinet, whereas their counterparts in the opposition camp are the shadow cabinet.
Perhaps there’s room for a third? A shadow shadow cabinet? Independent cabinet? Alternate cabinet? People’s cabinet?
I like People’s Cabinet. With modern technology it could truly be just that. We could make non-electoral votes for people whose voice we would like heard in politics, people with talents directly related to the portfolio they hold (which is rare in government…).
Currently the Australian government and opposition are failing to agree on the best “boat people” refugee solution. It’s mostly gamesmanship, and it’s pissing off the electorate. A People’s Cabinet could provide a sensible solution, a compromise to suit all, and because they have a lot of public support, they’ll get media time and they’ll sway politicians.
The People’s ministers would necessarily swear to have no allegiance with any political party, ever. And they would be unpaid and no longer have an active role in the realms of their portfolio. And they must swear that they’ll not in the future. Every industry has retired, intelligent, valuable brains – perhaps the sort that TV shows bring on as expert panelists.
Imagine People’s Cabinet members like these:
- Immigration Minister – is a first or second generation immigrant. Had a career in immigration related social services. Has written a book about comparative international immigration policies and gained a PhD for it. Compare with Chris Bowen, career politician with economics degree…
- Foreign Affairs Minister – former ambassador to Germany. Compare with Bob Carr, who before politics was an education officer and journalist…
- Community Services – former CEO of a charity that provided emergency accommodation for the unlucky. Compare with Jenny Macklin, economics researcher…
My imagined People’s Cabinet would undoubtedly form better solutions than the existing politicians, and could solve this mess.